"Camp Washington: a unique neighborhood with eclectic charm"

Camp Washington is smaller than the sum of its parts, as much of the Camp Washington neighborhood is taken up by a Interstate 75 and multiple lines of railroad tracks. So, the actual residential and business district of Camp Washington covers a much smaller geographic area than the actual boundaries of the neighborhood. The neighborhood still shows its industrial roots, though the number of businesses in the area are less in number than in the neighborhood's heyday. Today, there are plans in place, some of which have already been implemented, to renew the old and somewhat dilapidated industrial buildings.

Camp Washington is probably best known for being the home of Camp Washington Chili. The chili parlor, which moved into a new building in 2000, has been a mainstay of the neighborhood for over 60 years. Unlike others of the Cincinnti-style chili ilk, Camp Washington Chili on Colerain Avenue, just off the Hopple Street Viaduct, is the one and only location. The restaurant has been the recipient of visits from celebrities and politicians alike. Just across Hopple Street is US Chili and one of the more interesting shops in Cincinnati, Shenz Thetrical Supply.

There are four community organizations that serve the businesses and residents of Camp Washington, the Camp Washington Community Board, the Camp Washington Community Council, the Camp Washington Community School, and the Camp Washington Business Association. Camp Washington recently applied for a federal grant to create the Camp Washington Urban Farm Project, which is expected to create 40 jobs through the establishment of several community garden sites and a distribution network. Additional urban renewal plans include a new industrial and office complex on the old Kahn's site on Spring Grove Avenue.

Crime in Camp Washington is relatively low for the type of neighborhood that it is with most of the crime centered along the Hopple Street Viaduct area, which is a major exit off of Interstate 75. Housing prices in the neighborhood are relatively low. Many of the homes in the area are a century old or more, though some of them reflect their age and lack of upkeep.

Overall, Camp Washington is a tidy little community with a lot of potential. It is very conveniently located just off of Interstate 75 and within close proximity to the major hospitals, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati State Technical & Community College and a short drive to Downtown Cincinnati.

"A Work in Progress"

Camp Washington used to be a heavily industrial area and still comes across as more commercial than residential. They have a small population that's remarkably diverse when compared to other Cincinnati neighborhoods. Many Camp Washington homes are older and large. Some were abandoned until the Camp Washington Community Board reclaimed and refurbished them to their original vintage beauty.

Camp Washington History
When I think of Camp Washington, first I think of Camp Washington Chili. They've been around for years and are known for chili with that classic Cincinnati taste that people either hate or love. The other thing I remember is the Workhouse, a prison completed in 1869 and destroyed about 120 years later.

By the 1970s the Workhouse was an aging, behemoth of a prison like you'd see in an old Sylvester Stallone prison movie. In fact it was used for prison scenes in the Stallone movie, “Lock Up.” When you drove through Camp Washington while driving south on I-75, the Workhouse was so imposing, you hardly noticed anything else. These days all that's left of the old Workhouse are a cell door, the prison registry and the yard bell on display at the Hamilton County Justice Center. And memories of that big old ugly prison still come to mind when I think of Camp Washington.

Speaking of big old buildings, demolition of the old Kahn's meat processing complex was completed recently. Construction for a new industrial office complex will begin on the site in 2013.

Shopping and entertainment
Unless you're looking for display pieces at Robert Bugie's on Colerain, There 's not much in the way of shopping in Camp Washington; but the neighborhood is 10 minutes from Downtown and just down the hill from Clifton and CUF. There aren't any elegant places to eat either, but the area does have its share of fast food restaurants.

The American Sign Museum (signmuseum.org) recently relocated to 1330 Monmouth St. in Camp Washington. The cool and quirky museum took over a space once occupied by a women's clothing factory and later a parachute factory. Cincinnati Museum Center is about 5 minutes away and Camp Washington is about 10 minutes from Downtown activities.

Camp Washington Urban Farm Project
The CWCB development corporation is seeking a grant to begin an urban farm. There are no grocers in the immediate area and the farm would bring fresh produce to residents, put a vacant industrial building to use and create up to 40 jobs.

Schools
Camp Washington Community School - The neighborhood school provides G. E. D. classes and tutoring two nights a week. University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati State are a 10 minutes away.

There are no medical facilities in the neighborhood, but the Good Samaritan Hospital is just up the hill in Clifton.

"Camp Washington: It's More than Just Chili"

Though perhaps best known for its chili, Camp Washington has more to offer as a neighborhood. You’ll find beautiful homes, family-owned restaurants and businesses, and a proud community of residents.

Camp Washington’s rich history, which include a former military camp (and, of course, 70 years of delicious chili) is reflected in many of the neighborhood’s residential properties. Though homes are typically older, a community group called CWCB has been refurbishing and modernizing many of these houses with new appliances, heating, plumbing, windows, etc., making them an especially great buy for families looking for affordable, yet up-to-date, homes.

In terms of schooling, Camp Washington is home to the Camp Washington Community School (affiliated with Literacy Center West). It offers GED classes and tutoring to students of all ages. Elder High School, a well-known Cincinnati school, is also nearby, though keep in mind it’s an all-boys school.

Overall, Camp Washington is a tight-knit community with a high quality of living. The neighborhood is constantly improving and the area is safe. For those who don’t end up moving to Camp Washington, I recommend at least one visit for, if nothing else, a bowl of chili.